Qualifications and Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Banking, Accounting, Business Administration, Risk Management, or a related discipline.
• Master's degree in Risk Management, Finance, Business Administration, or a relevant field is preferred.
  
  Professional certifications are highly desirable:
  • Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP).
  • Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC).
  • Financial Risk Manager (FRM).
  • Professional Risk Manager (PRM).

Job Purpose:

The Head of Operational Risk is responsible for establishing, implementing, and overseeing the bank's Operational Risk Management Framework (ORMF) to identify, assess, monitor, control, and mitigate operational risks across all business units and support functions.

The role ensures that the bank maintains an effective operational risk management environment in accordance with UAE Central Bank (CBUAE) regulations, Basel Committee principles, applicable international standards, and the bank's risk appetite.

The position provides independent oversight and constructive challenge to business and support functions, promotes a strong risk culture, and reports significant operational risk exposures to senior management and the Board Risk Committee.

Key Responsibilities

A. Operational Risk Governance and Framework

• Develop, maintain, and continuously enhance the bank's Operational Risk Management Framework.
• Establish operational risk policies, standards, procedures, methodologies, and governance arrangements.
• Ensure alignment with CBUAE regulations, Basel operational risk principles, and internal risk management policies.
• Define operational risk appetite, key risk indicators (KRIs), thresholds, and escalation mechanisms.

Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RCSA)

• Lead the implementation and periodic review of the Risk and Control Self-Assessment process across all business and support functions.
• Identify inherent risks, assess control effectiveness, and determine residual risk exposures.
• Challenge business units on risk ratings, control gaps, and mitigation plans.
• Monitor remediation activities and ensure timely closure of identified weaknesses.